|
Have You Heard The News (Ireland)
Rhys Meyers brings Elvis to life in TV movie
|
|
|
Cork
born actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers has been nominated for a
Golden Globe Award as best actor for his portrayal of Elvis
in the CBS television mini series "Elvis" below is a review
of the series by John Peel.
I have seen every movie
made about Elvis with the exception of a regional drive-in
movie that was fictitious called "The Legend" I believe, and
not since Kurt Russell's phenomenal impersonation in the
1970s TV Movie have I seen such an amazing job of acting as
done by this young kid from Ireland. Jonathan Rhys-Meyers
was so stunningly accurate even though the combed back hair
made his forehead look a little too prominent. Still, I did
not work against his extremely effective portrayal of the
King of Rock and Roll. Okay, I know I'm being picky here,
but having been a portrait artist for 48 years, it's hard
not to notice such physical details.
What made this film all the more watch able were the acting
of Camryn Manheim as Mama Presley and Randy Quaid as The
Colonel. In both cases, the actors added so many shades to
their characters and, despite the stories we Elvis die-hard
fans know inside out, the script was put together in a way
that made it all unfold as though we were there. And after
not quite look-alike actors like Don Johnson with a voice
that sounded more like one of David Seville's Chipmunks than
Elvis, and Dale Midkiff who lacked the charisma with his
slight resemblance to the man in the miniseries "Elvis And
Me") this time, we had a guy we could believe was the real
thing. And then there was the guy from the TV show who also
played Elvis Michael St. Gerard who had such an uncanny
resemblance to Elvis though with nothing close to the voice
(except for the time he briefly played Elvis in "Great Balls
Of Fire" and for one scene tells Dennis Quaid's Jerry Lee
Lewis "Take it! Take it awwlll!") he was okay in the acting
department but only okay. This guy Jonathon Rhys-Meyers has
some serious acting chops. I loved his work in this one and
will keep an eye out for him in the future. (And isn't it
ironic how both Quaids have gotten to be connected somehow
to the Elvis legend?)
So to all the Elvis haters and those who tore this film
down, you don't have a clue. This was a great movie and for
TV was a bloody masterpiece.
I can't wait until this sucker is on DVD or video and I can
buy a copy for my personal collection. Thank you CBS for
this.
|
|